A woman from the Kuki community was killed and a Meitei farmer injured in two incidents of violence on Thursday along the volatile Bishnupur–Churachandpur border, reigniting ethnic tensions and triggering protests from both communities.

The unrest began around 3:30 p.m. when armed miscreants, suspected to be Kuki militants, allegedly opened fire at farmers in Phubala village, Bishnupur district. Sixty-year-old Ningthoujam Biren, a Meitei farmer, was shot in the left arm while working in the fields and is currently receiving treatment at Bishnupur District Hospital.

Following the attack, security forces launched an area domination operation in nearby Chingphei village of Churachandpur district. During the ensuing exchange of fire with suspected militants, a stray bullet struck Hoikholhing Haokip, wife of the Langchingmanbi village chief. She later succumbed to her injuries at Churachandpur District Hospital.

Authorities confirmed the death and injury but have yet to release full details on the incidents. Additional state and central forces have been deployed to the area, with the situation described as tense.

In response, Phubala villagers imposed a local bandh, demanding increased security for farmers in border areas. Women protesters issued an ultimatum to state authorities, threatening a statewide shutdown if action is not taken by June 21.

Kuki civil society organisations have also condemned the death of Hoikholhing Haokip. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) labelled the incident a targeted assault and announced an indefinite shutdown across Kuki-dominated areas. ITLF announces indefinite shutdown in protest against the killing of a civilian woman. The Kuki Women’s Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) demanded a judicial probe and the arrest of those responsible.